LONG BEACH, Calif. - Santa Clara Beach battled in the first day of the Beach Invitational, taking on No. 11 Cal Poly (7-2) and #18 Stetson (7-2), with a pair win at the fours from Jordan Bennett and Sveva Munneke who took it from Stetson, 21-19, 19-21, 16-14.

 

vs. No. 11 Cal Poly

The Broncos worked the Mustangs throughout the duel, showcasing the Santa Clara grit. Bennett and Hailey Benesz delivered an impressive performance at the fours, taking the first set in extra points with a score of 24-22.  Madison Nichols and Quinn Perry of Cal PolyCal Poly came back strong in the second set, but the Broncos remained relentless in their pursuit. In a thrilling third set, the Broncos remained in contention, pushing the Mustangs but falling short at 13-15.

vs. No 18 Stetson 

Santa Clara had hope in an upset as three courts pushed into a third set. The Bronco pair that came on top was Bennett and Munneke who took down Lauren Della and Alina Urzua (STET), 21-19, 19-21, 16-14. 

The beginning of the match showcased the impressive teamwork of Hailey Benesz and Casey Campbell, securing a thrilling victory in the first set with a score of 21-19. However, Stetson was able to respond, taking the win at the threes. Katie Kishton and Elena Radeff exhibited an outstanding performance at the ones, securing a win in the second set with a score of 21-15. The final outcome favored the Hatters, but Santa Clara left a mark. 

                

RESULTS

No. 11 Cal Poly 5, Santa Clara 0
Long Beach, Calif.
March 9, 2024                    

1. Ella Connor/Izzy Martinez (CP) def. Katie Kishton/Elena Radeff (SCU) 21-17, 21-16
2. Erin Inskeep/Piper Ferch (CP) def. Noelle Niederman/Ella Duffner (SCU) 21-7, 21-6
3. Piper Naess/Logan Walter (CP) def. Sveva Munneke/Casey Campbell (SCU) 21-16, 21-11
4. Madison Nichols/Quinn Perry (CP) def. Hailey Benesz/Jordan Bennett (SCU) 22-24, 21-19, 15-13
5. Abbey Reinard/Julia Soeller (CP) def. Alexie Epstein/Hayley Hahn (SCU) 21-16, 21-14 

Order of finish: (2, 1, 5, 3, 4)            

            

No. 18 Stetson 4, Santa Clara 1
Long Beach, Calif.
March 9, 2024    

1. Shae Henson/Tori Clement (STET) def. Katie Kishton/Elena Radeff (SCU) 21-14, 15-21, 15-8
2. Carolina Ferraris/Audrey Gauthier (STET) def. Noelle Niederman/Ella Duffner (SCU) 21-19, 21-16
3. Klea Sirois/Vanessa Hurnikova (STET) def. Hailey Benesz/Casey Campbell (SCU) 19-21, 21-10, 15-5
4. Jordan Bennett/Sveva Munneke (SCU) def. Lauren Della/Alina Urzua (STET) 21-19, 19-21, 16-14
5. Hanna Gubik/Kiki Drozd (STET) def. Alexie Epstein/Alexia Gallegos (SCU) 21-15, 21-19 

Order of finish: (5, 2, 1, 3, 4)                

UP NEXT:
Broncos prepare for day two of the Beach Invitational.